So far so lush. Both gardens are enjoying the rain and warm temperatures but would prefer a little less wind ravaging their leaves. The gardener is pleased she remembered to place the supports before they were needed.

Let’s start at the front. Look at those foxgloves, just lovely. The whole corner is lush with growth.

I bought this Iris in 2022, divided it into three clumps and left it to bake. This year they all decided they were cooked. First time growing bearded irises as I’ve never had the right spot for them. The backdrop in this picture could have people thinking I planned it that way!

This is the view towards the front door. It’s true, a car parking space would be more convenient but this is much more lovely. There are still bits of the old Gulag on display and they are on the to-do list…

Let’s go through to the back. I’m very pleased with how this garden is developing. It is my oasis.

The south border, my herbaceaous border of dreams is very nearly full. I like the way the foxgloves and floribunda rose Champagne are leaning out slightly (fingers crossed they don’t fall over) Painting those fence panels is also on my to-do list along with finding the motivation. Let’s focus on the plants!

Same border about mid way along. More never grown before Iris.

For me a garden isn’t complete without roses. You can see my favourite, Chandos Beauty in the shot above. Buff Beauty was a Squires sale bargain, as was the floribunda Champagne from Sarah Raven. Full price because she’s worth it is Gertrude Jekyl, quite short in her first year here but still perfectly formed.

The pergola bed is a work in progress. I’m seeking planting that will provide a loose screen as I’m sitting on the bench. The colour combination needs work, maybe less orange. Currently it’s best described as a strident tutti-frutti. Is it the orange fence that’s the problem?

I’ve had this plant stand for years, unopened and unassembled. First in the loft then in the plot shed. One rainy day or two this year, I painted and assembled it and discovered I had quite a lot of succulents and sempervivens to sit on it. Then I acquired a few pelargoliums, who are adding to the strident tutti-fruttiness of the border.

Came back next month for another tour – the fence may be painted, I have the paint!